Phantom Regiment is pleased to announce the hiring of Shane Gwaltney as percussion arranger and caption head.
Gwaltney was a charter member of WGI percussion powerhouse Music City Mystique in 1995 and has been involved ever since. He currently serves as the battery arranger and visual designer.
The Mount Juliet, Tenn., native has been involved with numerous DCI and BOA groups, including Spirit and Southwind, and he runs the percussion program at Choctawhatchee High School in Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
“Shane has an excellent reputation with his varied background in both indoor and outdoor percussion, and we look forward to what he will bring to the Phantom Regiment,” said Dan Farrell, program director.
Phantom Regiment fans will no doubt be excited by Gwaltney’s description of his arranging style: “Musically aggressive while supporting the horn line with intent and purpose in the big picture.”
Gwaltney is looking forward to bringing his WGI experience to Phantom Regiment.
“I understand the role of the percussion voice in this activity and intend on keeping it that way,” he said. “However, my writing personality will add a new flavor to the continuing success of the drum corps.”
He’s also excited about being part of an organization that prides itself on a family atmosphere and a design team that respects the music.
“I have had plenty of close friends that have been a part of the organization. The deep roots of family, tradition and history are a huge attraction and are what kept them coming back,” he said. “(Plus) the integrity of the arrangements seems to be a dying art in this activity, but Phantom Regiment is staying as honest as possible.”
When asked what isn’t obvious from his bio, he doesn’t hesitate to note that he has “the worst team in fantasy football.”
Gwaltney, who resides in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., replaces Paul Rennick, who resigned after 8 years to take position with Santa Clara Vanguard. Phantom Regiment won the Fred Sanford Percussion Trophy for highest percussion performance score during DCI Championships in 2006, 2008 and 2010. “I’d like to thank Paul for his great work with the Regiment and wish him all the best in the future,” Farrell said.
